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Florida Redbacks Australian Football Club
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NEW REDBACKS WEBSITE
The Redbacks website has moved!
Please visit it at:
www.floridafooty.com
See you there!
Thanks!
www.floridafooty.com
Australia Day tournament
January 27, 2006
The annual Florida Australia Day tournament returns on Saturday January 27. Past winners are Atlanta, Florida, and Tampa twice. This year it looks to be a contest between Ft. Lauderdale, Sarasota, the University of South Florida, and Vanderbilt University from Nashville TN. More details will follow (join the e-mail list on the left to keep up to date).
USF metro footy starting up again
January 11, 2007 - 06:00 PM
After a great start in the fall, the USF metro league continues this Thursday January 11. The Green team leads 3 games to 1 but Gold plans revenge this winter/spring season.
University of South Florida Metro Footy
November 9, 2006 - 06:00 PM
Good news.
While the Florida Redbacks rest as a whole, the University of South Florida has started a footy metro league. So far the Green team has defeated the Gold team twice but the gold team is seeking revenge.
For more details, visit the USF Footy website at:
www.myspace.com/usffooty
Games every Thursday at USF at 7pm - directions on the website.
cheers,
Marc
Florida Redbacks defeat Ft. Lauderdale Fighting Squids
April 7, 2006 - 03:00 PM
We played our first game as a team this year against the fighting squids of Ft Lauderdale on Saturday and the squids came to play.
The Redbacks came out blazing in the first quarter against a 4 or 5 goal wind. We scored 6 times but only registered one major while Ft Lauderdale posted only 2 behinds. With the wind in the second, the Redbacks kicked long and straight and began to play loose man football. Jarred had a couple of great running goals while Ben registered a big one from just beyond the bounce. By half time, the Redbacks were well in control of the game.
The second half started with our captain on the bench with a couple of bad knocks to his knee. With the wind in their favor and their lack of fitness telling, the squids gave an all out effort in the 3rd quarter throwing everything at us bar the kitchen sink. Ft Lauderdale showed great skill and determination to inch within 2 goals of the home team. Just before 3/4 time we lost another key player in Ben as he fell victim to a nasty hip and shoulder while going in for the ball.
After a settling talk to the team, it was time get back out on the field and protect home turf.
We brought fresh legs into the center and gave some on ballers a chance to rest in the forward line. By 5 minutes into the final term, it was all over bar the shouting as the Redbacks made easy work of finding the big sticks on 6 occasions while keeping the squids scoreless.
Our man of the match went to Ben for his hard fought play and inspiring goals.
On a side note, I was very impressed to see how well our Rookie squad
played on Saturday.
7 players for the Redbacks were Rookies and they all stepped up to play great football. By the fourth quarter, they had found their feet and really stepped up to make this win happen.
Thanks again to the squids for making the trip over.
Redbacks defeat Squids in Ft. Lauderdale
September 2, 2006 - 04:30 PM
Hope to see as many of you as possible out on Thursday night September 7 (and every Thursday night) from 6-8pm on the front Fowler fields under the lights at USF. Contact Marc Karver if any one needs directions to the field. We will be introducing new recruits to the game, sharpening our skills for nationals which is 33 days away (these are the United States Australian Football League playoffs), and of course training will end with the usual fun practice game. Marc Karver – Faculty advisor – University of South Florida Australian Rules Football Club.
This past weekend the Florida Redbacks traveled to play the up and coming Ft. Lauderdale Squids – the following is the game report provided by the Florida Redbacks team President:
The Redbacks mustered their players together to play their first away game of 2006 on Saturday. The remnants of hurricane Ernesto made for a wet, stormy afternoon, some tense moments with metal droppers in hand and last minute negotiations with the ground keeping staff. Ernesto and ground keepers appeased, the game started around 4:30pm.
The Redbacks started in traditional form, banging 3 quick goals through before the Squids got moving. The smaller than usual ground made it easy for the dominant center crew to put boot to ball and score quickly. Ft Lauderdale steadied, however, showing the Redbacks that the afternoon was not going to be as easy as first thought.
Ist Quarter
Redbacks 3-2-20
Squids 1-0-06
The Squids had the slight downhill advantage in the second quarter playing a more physical game. Great work in the back line by Greg Cooper and Co. allowed only a solitary goal to get through while the Redbacks' accuracy eluded them at the other end producing a shoddy 2 goals, six behinds. At half time, it was anyone's game with only 4 straight kicks separating the two teams.
2nd Quarter
Redbacks 5-8-38
Squids 2-1-13
Both teams were fired up after some motivating messages at half time. The Redbacks had a breeze at their backs and the downhill advantage and were looking to put a lid on the game in the premiership quarter. The Squids played their best football for the game, however, and kept the game within reach at the final turn.
3rd Quarter
Redbacks 8-12-60
Squids 4-5-29
25 seconds into the final quarter, the Redbacks got the boost they needed when they kicked a quick goal, handing a decisive blow to the home team. Another 2 quick goals put the outcome of the game out of question. The Squids continued to fight valiantly adding four goals to their tally, making it their most productive quarter for the game.
Final Score
Redbacks 14-17-101
Squids 8-5-53
Goals: 3 Simon, 2 Steve, Dustin, 1 each to Marc,Moose,Chris,Danny,David,Jarred,John
Best: 3 Dustin, 2 Moose, 1 Jarred
It was great to see Dustin weave his magic around the packs. Moose keeps getting bigger every time I see him, what is your mother feeding you? He rucked all day and played with great heart. Can you imagine what he and Alister will do to teams at nationals???? Jarred, a great captains effort as per normal. He set us up in the first half and kept us focused until the final whistle.
As you can see, we had many contributors. Special mentions must go to CJ for his physical play and unending determination, Chris McGiver for following the ball and being in the action all day. Greg Cooper played another great game at full back. Simon Morgan seems to get younger every game (although he might have disagreed with me Sunday morning) and Dave Dors Smith played a great physical game and kicked a booming goal out of the center!
Special thanks to the Ft Lauderdale team for hosting us and putting on a great after party.
Rob Davies
President
Florida Redbacks Australian Rules Football Club
Redbacks battle at nationals
October 9, 2006 - 09:00 AM
The Redbacks traveled to Vegas for nationals. Despite leading at half time in all three games, the Redbacks only ended up beating St. Louis while losing close games to Baton Rouge and San Diego due to injuries and lack of fitness. The Redbacks showed excellent nightlife fitness staying out all night in Vegas - the goal next year is to show the same level of fitness in playing footy!!!
Sharks bite back against the Devils
February 18, 2005 - 01:00 PM
We held our second metro game last Saturday and saw a strong turnout on an unseasonably warm February afternoon. After the recent frost and lack of rain plus the wear and tear of polo season, the ground was rough and dry. Both teams played a fierce and physical battle in what was easily the best level of football seen since our triumph over St Louis at the nationals last year. Sarasota was able to fend off a determined Tampa team with great kicking accuracy and moments of great flow on play. Tampa also displayed splashes of brilliance and were able to find the open man on many occasions. Final scores were:
Sarasota, 19 goals Def. Tampa, 12 goals
Goal kickers: Sarasota: Jarred 8, Ben 3, Simon 2, Steve 2, Rob 2, Nathan R, Brandon
Tampa: Logan 5, James 3, Dustin 3, Marc
Best & Fairest: Sarasota: Jarred, Rob, Simon, Ben
Tampa: James, Dustin,Marc
Rookie votes: Sarasota: Nathan R, Nathan S, Brandon
Tampa: Dee, Randall, Logan
After two games played in our seven game metro season, I've compiled some interesting and encouraging stats:
Over the past two games we have had 25 individuals on the field, 12 rookies and 13 players who have played for the club for at least one season. Out of the 25 players, 17 have been non-Australians while just 8 players are Australian.
All of this amounts to a great foundation for our club for 2006. It is early enough in the year to have our rookies polish their skills and gain valuable match experience so they will be an integral part of our team for the EAFL season and nationals.
Our next metro game is on Saturday, March 4. Game time will be 2pm. I had mentioned earlier that Ft Lauderdale had invited us over to play but we have not yet agreed on a date. It is looking more like the beginning of April.
I really want to see as many of you as possible on March 4. We had a few guys play the first metro game and not the second and vice versa. I know there are a number of you from last year that have yet to put the boots on this year. Don't wait too long to jump back in. It's also a great chance to car pool with USF players and bring a contingency from Jacksonville, Orlando, Tallahassee, Naples, and Gainesville. If we all make it happen, there is no reason that we can't have 16 aside for the next game.Bring recruits, bring your friends and neighbors and let's make our next metro game a big one!
For those of you who played the game on Saturday, you heard Susan Darlington talk about her great fundraising idea that will benefit the Redbacks and her organization. We need 15 players to participate in her "man auction" on Friday, April 21. You'll be required to wear your uniform and carry some sort of gift basket. The audience will be bidding on the basket and obviously throwing in extra for your efforts. That's all you'll be required to do besides chat with staff and residents. We will make $1,000 from the event which will go directly to pay for accommodation for the players who participate in this event. After the event, Sharon and I will be hosting a free BBQ and beers at our property to celebrate Anzac Day.
We'll have a sign up sheet at the March 4 game but you can let me know earlier.
Last but not least, It's time to buy your ticket for Boston. The Boston game is Saturday, May 13 so book your flight for no later than Friday, May 12 and your return for anytime after the game, preferably Sunday so we can all get together as a team on Saturday night.
Looking forward to seeing you all at training and on the 4th!!
Rob Davies
President
Florida Redbacks start up 2006 season
January 14, 2006 - 09:30 AM
Dear fellow Redback players and supporters,
First of all, happy new year to everyone. I hope your holiday season was as enjoyable and crazy as mine! Personally, I'm glad it's over.
I didn't think I'd be saying this so early in January but I'm really excited about getting back into Aussie Rules. The end of year party was awesome and it left me wanting to continue friendships. I've missed the Redbacks family over the break and am looking forward to catching up with everyone.
I attended our first training for '06 last Saturday at Summerfield park in Sarasota. My fitness level was pathetic but I managed to kick the ball well due to my highly defined center of gravity. We have started a new fitness indicator called the "beep test" thanks to our captain, Jarred Fegan. As scary as it was to see how unfit I was, it gave me a starting point to improve on. Ben Hancock won the beep test. He's been hard at it in the off season and it shows! I've put together a spreadsheet that will allow us to track individual and team beep test averages as we move through the season. We also have a cash prize for the fittest player this season. I encourage you all to attend our full team training on Saturdays starting at 10am sharp! Get there 30 minutes prior to warm up.
Our first official metro game is at the Sarasota polo club on Saturday, January 28 @ 2pm (12:30 arrival please). We'll have a BBQ to celebrate Australia afterwards.
Our first official EAFL game is against Boston @ Boston on Saturday, May 13. Orbitz has direct flights for $158.00 so book NOW. All players will be given field time. The following game is against NY @ home so we have the best 2 teams right off the bat which means it's time to get fit!
Members dues are expected in full by Feb 15. They are $125.00 or $50.00 for full time students. This gets you shorts, socks, an inclusive members cap, field fees and discounts to our social events. We are also working on a social club membership for non playing members. I've heard some great stories already about individuals recruiting friends and coworkers. If we all recruit only one player, our numbers will double from last year!
Finally, we have a very promising year with the guys from USF. I've already been to one training and have seen the promise.
So, get out, get fit and get to a training session soon!
I know the Chinese new year calendar might beg to differ but this year IS the year of the REDBACK!!!
Cheers,
Rob Davies
President
Florida Redbacks Australian Rules Football Club
Tampa Training Begins Again at the University of South Florida Thursday evenings at 6:00pm.
Tampa players, USF students (we have formed a USF Australian Rules Football Club), and new recruits all welcome.
Saturday trainings are at Summerfield Park in Sarasota at 9:30am. All players and new recruits are welcome.
Sign up on the site e-mail list to find out about training locations and/or contact club officers.
We hope to see you there!
Congratulations to Dustin Jones and Justin Valley (former Redback now with San Diego) who have been selected to play for the US National team in the Aussie All-Comers vs US Revolution team to play before the Swans vs Roos game on Sunday Jan 15.
Florida Redbacks men's and women's games on July 1
July 1, 2006
Sorry the website has not been updated in a bit - since the last posting on the website there have been a few metro games with Tampa and Sarasota winning a few and a tough match with Ft. Lauderdale that was neck and neck for three quarters till the Redbacks pulled away in the 4th quarter.
Well, July 1 will be a big day.
First, the undefeated Atlanta women's team will be coming down to play the #2 team in the country the Florida women. After this game will be a men's game - the Redbacks will be out and players from Ft. Lauderdale and from the Atlanta men's team. In addition, we should have about 5 of the top players from around the US coming out since the East-West all star game was cancelled but they still wanted to come to Florida for a game and vacation. Any new or interested players are welcome to come out and see the games and/or play.
Questions:
Contact President Rob Davies at riodry@aol.com (Sarasota) or Treasurer Marc Karver in Tampa at mkarver@chuma1.cas.usf.edu
September 2, 2006 - 03:30 PM
Hello Tampa and Sarasota Players,
For months, we have trained and worked hard to build a team over here with one goal in mind……. TO BEAT THE CRAP out of either a Tampa or a Sarasota team. We were even willing to put it on the line and play a combined team just to keep Footy alive in Florida.
When we heard that you guys could only manage 6 guys out of 2 teams for the game this weekend we were really shocked. Twice we made the commitment to come over, twice leaving some of our better players in Fort Lauderdale, for one goal Footy in Florida. The result was 2 great games and 2 great footy road trips. That is what the game is all about, guys having the time of our lives on a true footy trip.
So if you guys want footy to flourish in Florida, get your fingers out and join us this weekend for a game. We are committed to play the game as we are sick and tired of training. All are welcome to come over. 1, 2 or 10 to play, stay and party with us. Even if it is only a few guy we can find beds and floors in our houses for you guys to stay.
We understand that you guys aren’t truly interested in playing footy, having beers and enjoying South Florida sights, so to wet you appetite, the Las Olas Art Fair Sunday from 8am, allowing you fairies to get your cultural trip in.
While most of the email is written tongue in cheek, we are committed to having fun, drinking beer and growing Footy. To anyone wanting to come over and have a great night, come over and play this weekend and show you love the game of Footy.
PS This email is being sent to get you guy angry, heated and wanting to come over and show us a contest. If you want to come over email me back
Fort Lauderdale Australian Football Club
"The Fighting Squids"
www.fightingsquids.com
Addendum - the challenge has worked - we are bringing a full team this weekend... results to follow!!!
EAFL Rounds 3 and 4 - Redbacks win!
June 25, 2005 - 02:30 PM
EAFL round 3 - Pittsburgh unable to travel and forced to forfeit games to Philly and Florida.
EAFL round 4 - Typical Florida summer weather: low 90's, 99% humidity, followed by torrential rain and hale dropping temperature into the 70's.
Florida Redbacks 15 13 103
Philly Hawks 2 2 14
Story to follow.
(Photo> Alsiter, our Best on Ground flies high)
EAFL Round 5
July 9, 2005 - 02:00 PM
Redbacks lose close battle in the end on the road to North Carolina Tigers -
NC FL
4. 2 (26) 4. 3 (27)
8. 4 (52) 6. 7 (43)
10. 7 (67) 9. 11 (65)
13. 13 (91) 10. 14 (74)
July 9, 2005 - 02:00 PM--EAFL round 5 –
The North Carolina Tigers have beaten the Florida Redbacks by 17 points at the Tigerdome in Raleigh, handing the Redbacks their first loss of the 2005 season.
In a high standard game at the hot (mid 90’s), humid Tigers home ground, which was on the top of a hill (not humid in Florida terms but still humid), the Redbacks kicked the first goal of the match with the Alister to Dustin combination firing as usual. The Redbacks looked to be coming out strong, true to form, hitting hard as usual and winning contests. However, little did we know that this would be our last one goal lead until the fourth quarter!!!! The Tigers, with a young fit group of rotating on-ballers changed strategies and no longer attempted to win the ruck taps. Instead they played to intercept. Alister won every ruck tap in the game but the Tigers constantly intercepted his taps or tackled Dustin, Jeff, or James as soon as they had their hands on the ball. Suddenly it was the Tigers bursting out of the middle with the ball and scoring multiple times to take the lead. Luckily, loyal team supporter Red Walker came out of retirement and played his first game in over a year and kicked his first of four goals. Until he left the game injured in the third quarter, he was a constant spark up forward either scoring or creating opportunities for other Redbacks forwards.
The sequences of play on both sides of the stadium in the first quarter and throughout the game until five minutes to go in the game were excellent with great ball movement and contested marks all over the field. Each time one team scored, the other responded.
At quarter time the scoreboard displayed only a one point difference.
1Q: Redbacks 4.3.(27) to Tigers 4.2.(26)
In the second term the Tigers dominated the first 10 minutes of play. The Tigers ball getters pressured the Redbacks normally dominant midfield and continued to feed the ball to their forward line. The Redbacks defense was under constant pressure but led by a sterling effort by Perry throughout the game, damage from the onslaught was minimized. With the Redbacks stunningly down by four goals, we refused to give in and fought back in the last 5 minutes of the quarter scoring 2 quick goals. Players like Jeff and Justin stepped up and kept the ball in the forward line to create scoring opportunities.
At the major break the Tigers held a 9 point lead.
2Q: Redbacks 6.7.(43) to Tigers 8.4.(52)
The third term opened with the Redbacks responding to Captain Rob’s inspiring half time speech. We controlled the ball for the early part of the quarter and scored goals and behinds to narrow the Tigers lead. The Redbacks forwards were all working well together – Red (first game in a year), Adham (15 year old in his first full game), John (in his 50’s in his first game ever), Marc (5’10” in his first USAFL game at full forward). However, Red then went down with an injury that took him out of the game. As suspected, Red was the spark at half forward – new recruit Steve, first time ever even touching a footy, ran hard but could not replace Red’s experience. The Tigers once again took control of play in the middle and at their half back line and stopped any forward attempts. Thus, at the final change, the Tigers maintained a slim lead.
3Q: Redbacks 9.11.(65) to Tigers 10.7.(67)
To start the fourth quarter, the Redbacks came out firing and dominated play with one goal and three behinds inspired by the great play of James, Jeff, Alister, and John and Justin, and Chris and David and Rob and Perry from the back line. The Redbacks were up by seven and looked potentially able to put the Tigers away despite having no bench and exhausted players. However, exhaustion won out; the Redbacks appeared to lose one step, then two steps… suddenly it seemed as if there were Tigers everywhere across the middle of the field – despite valiant attempts by Sean and Perry and Greg and others to get the ball out of our end and to the forward line, we could not get past the Tiger midfield wall. The Tigers relentlessly but inaccurately attacked with behind after behind after behind. The Redbacks seven point lead was whittled down to two points. Then with five minutes to go, the dam broke and the Tigers kicked three straight goals – the Redbacks had nothing left to answer with and the Tigers were winners at the final siren.
Final: Redbacks 10.14.(74) def. by Tigers 13.13.(91)
Redbacks Best: Perry -3 pts, James – 2pts, Red – 1pt. Most improved – Chris, John.
GOALS (not definite, I’m guessing – please give me correct info if you know as we did not have Coach Trevor to keep track):
Redbacks: Red (4), James (2), Dustin (2), Alister, Marc
NY defeats Florida
September 10, 2005 - 02:00 PM
New York travelled strong down to Florida bringing 27 players and lots of their own spectators - definitely set the bar for how a team should travel. They were quite fit and literally out ran our Redbacks. We kept it close but they owned the 3rd quarter.
Not official quarter scoring but probably close estimates:
1st
NY 2 4
Florida 1 0
2nd
NY 3 4
Florida 2 1
3rd
NY 3 3
Florida 0 0
4th
NY 2 1
Florida 1 1
Official final score:
NY 10 12
Florida 4 2
Florida Redbacks Competitive in Division 2 at Nationals
October 2, 2005
Our season officially ended last weekend with the completion of our 2005 Nationals bid. We went 1-2 with both of our losses being hard fought and close competitions. In fact, we lost a close game to the eventual champions of division 2, the Golden Gate Roos. The Redbacks then played St. Louis later in the day and put together a perfect effort - this was probably the most complete team game ever played by the Redbacks in beating a very strong team.
It is always difficult to claim victory from a losing record but there were many victories over the weekend and in the past season. We were able to be a competitive force in the EAFL, playing for the conference championship in our first year. We are also considered a strong player in division 2 which is a great platform to start on next year. In the end, it was our lack of depth on the road that hurt us in regular season play and Nationals. Building our road team will be the major focus in 2006!
Congratulations are in order for our women's team. Runners up (2nd in the country) in their first year is a fantastic effort.
they obliterated their opponents in their first game, lost a nailbiter to Atlanta in their second game - they almost came back from an 18-0 deficit and lost by only 4. They then won their next game something like 84 to 0 to make the Women's title game - they then fought valiantly against Atlanta but eventually succumbed to defeat - the women's team also could probably benefit from increased depth, fitness, and training together - hope to see lots of the Florida women dedicated to training over the next year!!! Anyway, congrats to them for bringing home the first medals
(runner-ups) in Florida footy history!!!!!!
Contact team officials about end of year BBQ and awards day on November 12 from 2pm until ?????.
This promises to be a fun day and a chance to relax and reflect with fellow players, spouses, kids and supporters. WE hope to see you there, more details to come!
Last thing - Dustin Jones swept the divvy two medals winning most consistent and best on ground.
Even better, his girlfriend, Holly won Best on Ground for the women -
It should be mentioned that Annie Jones was also practically unstoppable and probably received some BOG votes across games.
Currently the Redbacks as a whole are in their off season.
Tampa's men and women will continue to train and a University of South Florida footy club is being started. Contact Marc Karver for more details - mkarver@chuma1.cas.usf.edu
Tampa Devils come from behind to defeat Sarasota Sharks in Australia Day game
January 28, 2006 - 02:00 PM
Story to follow
Redbacks on TV - Channel 47
The Redbacks made the TV debut tonight on channel 47 in a 10-15 minute segment about our wonderful Club and highlighted by our big weekend win against Baltimore/Washington.
The show will be replayed this Friday and Sunday night on Channel 47 at 8:00pm. In coming days there will be a streamed version of the segment on our website.
Redbacks Pull Off Stunning Upset
May 14, 2005
In one of the biggest upsets in USAFL history the Florida Redbacks have defeated the Boston Demons, the nation's 5th ranked, team by 17 points in Sarasota, Florida. The Redbacks scored 9.8.62 to the Demons 6.9.45.
Florida started with dominance in the centre. Alister dominated the ruck against the ruckman for the US national team. His taps continuously found Dustin and Anthony who effectively delivered to the forward line. Boston was stunned as the Redbacks scored five unanswered goals spread amongst different players in the first quarter. Meanwhile, the Redback defense held strongly – the halfback line of Jarred, Justin, and Janni was inpenetrable. The few times the ball went deeper into Redback territory, Perry was there to repel any Boston efforts. In the last three minutes, the momentum started to shift as it got hotter and hotter (game temperature was in the mid-80’s. Boston adjusted in the second quarter and proceeded to take over – realistically, Boston dominated the last three quarters of the game, however, the Redbacks discovered that Perry at fullback was an unstoppable force. He completely neutralized Boston’s talented full forward and punched away anything remotely threatening (and there was plenty). When the ball went to ground or was not marked by Perry, he effectively delivered to the half back line or to the centre players to mount a counterattack to ease the pressure. It should be added that Greg Banlowe also did a valiant job in protecting the Redbacks lead. In the third quarter, Mario went down with an injury – Heath filled in valiantly and kicked a much needed goal as opportunities for the Redbacks forwards declined considerably as the game continued. By the final quarter, both teams were exhausted by the up and back game pace and the brutal Florida sun. The Demons mounted an effective and determined comeback, looking more like the team used to playing in the heat, but the Florida defense held them at bay and the difference in scores at three quarter time was too great for Boston to make up. Florida was proud to pull such a huge upset over such a highly ranked team but was also thankful that the game did not last ten more minutes!!!
Notable points: throughout the game, Alister was seen all over the field often pulling down crucial marks against two or three contesting Demons.
Adham Makki had a spectacular debut playing for the Redbacks – this soon to be star 15 year old had numerous possessions and kicked his first Redbacks goal!
Danny Harrison played a very strong three quarters on the wing until cramping up in the 4th quarter (we all knew how he felt)
Florida Boston
5.2. (32) 0.1. (1)
7.3. (45) 1.3. (9)
9.6. (60) 3.7. (25)
9.8. (62) 6.9. (45)
Florida Best:
Perry Vaught
Justin Valley
Alister Wilson
Adham Makki
Florida Goals:
Mario Formosa 2, Simon Morgan, Dustin Jones, Adham Makki, Marc Karver, Danny Harrison, Heath McOrist, Anthony DeLuise, 1
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